Kidnapped into Marriage: Priya and Dave

Chapter 15

Pregnancy, children, family life... groan. Auntyji has come by a few times to talk to me about this subject. She wants to know more about our sex life. I couldn't disguise it any longer because she kept pestering me about it. I ended up telling her the painful truth and she was trying to promote it. I remained quiet the whole time. Auntyji says "You are our bahu (daughter-in-law), you should also consider this family's customs and rules my dear. Please beta. I know you are a working girl and all but you must also do the duties of the household as well." 

I began to work from home and did more household duties like my in-laws wanted me too. We have servants – cooks, gardeners but we are also expected to be daughters and wives. Dave's second and third oldest brothers Viren and Virat were unmarried and so we didn't have help from two more bahus. It was the wife of the oldest and of the youngest sons. We basically ran the household. Geeta bhabi was growing in size and couldn't do as much. She stopped wearing sheer sarees and now wears more solid colours. She's become chubbier and she's glowing. She and bhaiiya are bringing happiness to the family and then there's Dave and me bringing sorrow.

Dave and I have been talking to each other as if we were strangers. He told me that I do not need to stay home and do all the household work. I told him that I am the wife – the wife is a part of the family and must obey both her husband and his family. He left after I said that grumbling something I couldn't quite hear. I've decided that maybe our relationship can be fixed if I let go and become part of this family through all this bahu and wife stuff. 

I'm going to let him take me as his wife physically. He's wanted this all along. I am his wife and as my husband he has his right over me. I couldn't believe it myself that I was going to do this. I asked Auntyji to help me dress in a bridal lehenga given to me after our quick registered marriage when we got back. She finished up and then lighted dias (like candles) around the room. In my head, I told myself I've given up and that I have surrendered myself.

Dave comes in after work and walks by me. I was sitting on the bed, my knees folded, the dupatta (drape of the saree) over my head. His head quickly turns around and he looks surprised. "Wow, you look beautiful." My head lowered a bit. "So you've forgiven me, we don't need to worry about anything? Priya?" I nod slightly. He comes over and raises the dupatta. "Thank you! I thought you'd never forgive me." He hugs me and I stare ahead blankly. 

He comes in for a kiss but stops as he see me looking away. "Priya, what's wrong? You don't need to be afraid of me. I don't want to hurt you. Please forgive me for that stupid night." He said he didn't want our relationship to be anything but love. He doesn't want to force me and says sorry for trying to do that. He didn't want a physical relationship now. He refused to do what I was letting him and what I willingly gave myself up for. I searched his eyes as tears slipped down his cheeks. I saw his sensitivity and how worried he was. He genuinely wants my forgiveness. The rest of the night was quiet. I had changed into my home saree and had gone to bed.